Fishing Report January 18th 2012 for RI and Southern New England

Ice fishing locally is not an option lately. There is however good opportunity for those seeking Crappie, Trout and Salmon in open water. RI DEM stocked trout and salmon in anticipation of an ice fishing season that has yet to materialize. Might be a good time to soak some sea herring for Pike at Stump Pond in Smithfield Fly or Worden's Pond in South Kingston. New England fly fishermen are seeking Rainbow and Brown Trout in the Upper Farmington River in CT. while nymphing with brassies, pheasant tails, and golden stone fly imitations. Other freshwater options include smallmouth bass fishing on Candlewood Lake according to OTW magazine reports.

Smaller Ponds in Central Ma have some safe ice as due ponds in the Connecticut Vallet Area

Cod fishing off Block Island has been producing some steaker cod weighing up to 30 lbs. The cod are being caught using a variety of jigs. Jig weight varies with wind and line. Using braided line with a shock leader allows you to stay vertical better than mono and the leader affords some stretch and abrasion resistance. 30 - 65 Power Pro seems to be the most popular with local cod anglers.
Mackerel fishing in Newport has still been productive.

Ice Fishing is gaining some traction in Central and Western Ma , New Hampshire and Maine. Smaller Ponds in Central Ma have some safe ice as due ponds in the Connecticut Vallet Area. Alton Bay on Lake Winnipesauke has safe ice for foot traffic . Maine Pike have been active.

Chad Porter took this 20-pound toothy from Lake Sabattus in Maine.

December 23, 2011

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
NOTICE

... New Regulation Pertaining to the Filleting of Cod

Be advised that the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has promulgated a new regulation pertaining to the filleting of cod. The regulation becomes effective on January 1, 2012, and will remain in effect through June 30, 2012. The new regulation, which amends the existing regulation pertaining to the minimum size for cod caught recreationally, is set forth below, in its entirety.

7.22.2 - Cod - Recreational Harvest

7.22.2-1 Minimum Size -- No person fishing recreationally shall land or possess any cod measuring less than twenty-two inches (22") total length, or any cod fillet measuring less than fourteen inches (14") in total length, whether caught within the jurisdiction of this State or otherwise.

(a) Filleting of Cod - The fillets or cleaned cod (head and tail removed) shall measure at least fourteen inches (14") in length, and each fillet shall have at least two (2) square inches (5.1 square centimeters) of skin left intact to assist in species identification.

(b) This section shall remain in effect through June 30, 2012.